August 31, 2016

Technology ruining families

I recently have heard an add on the radio for a cable/internet company.  Mom is talking about her kids, all boys, and in the background you here kids playing and some crashing sounds.  Then mom talks about having cable/internet, you here silence, and then a quiet giggle.

It's got me thinking "What in the world is wrong with us?!?"

Why are we encouraging families that happiness is children (and adults) sitting quietly in front of a screen.  I will admit that my family definitely spends way to much time watching tv and playing video games, but my kids also go outside, play with friends (or just hang out being silly teenagers), and play with toys (ok just the youngest does that).  It appalls me that so many commercial are telling families "keep your kids happy and quiet give them the fastest internet".

I know how crazy and loud it can get when kids are playing and having fun.  In fact most days I enjoy the sounds of nerf gun wars, giggling girl talk, and what ever fun they get into.  The noise is how I know they're having fun.  When things get quiet, I get worried.

I couple summers ago I had seven kids running around my house for a week.  My four kids, their two cousins, and a friend of my youngest's.  All my friends kept saying how crazy I was.  But it was great!  Everyone had a companion to hang out with, so no sibling fighting.  Sure it was loud, and sometimes a little bit crazy, but I couldn't have been happier.

Instead commercial telling us we need the newest, biggest, fastest device/cable/internet/tv, we should have commercials that remind us spending time with family and friends is more important.

~Earthy Mom